Introduction

1. The Christmas story is portrayed year after year in churches. We remember the lessons over time. What new lessons can we learn?

2. Mary had an Astounding Experience.

The Saviour’s Birth

1. Mary was told God’s plans — and the birth of the Son of God. She would be with child even though she was a virgin. It was so impossible.

2. God does call us to experience the impossible. Note that the salutation to Mary applies to all believers. We are highly favoured as Mary was (Ephesians 1:6), the Lord is with us (Matthew 28:20), and we are blessed (Ephesians 1:3).

The Spirit’s Power

1. How would God achieve this? The Holy Spirit will come upon Mary and “overshadow” her. The word overshadow means “to cover with a cloud”, like the cloud of Shekinah glory (Exodus 16:10; 19:9; 24:16; 34:5; 40:34) or the cloud of transfiguration (Matthew 17:5; Mark 9:7; Luke 9:34). Mary was going to be covered with the glory of God. She is going to be “clouded” by or with God.

2. Nothing is impossible with God (v.37).

The Servant’s Submission

1. Mary may not have understood how God was going to do it. She may not also know how she is going to handle all the difficulties.

2. But she said two important things:

1. First, “I am the Lord’s servant” (v.38). The servant does not question the Master, but takes orders. Mary identified herself as the Lord’s servant.
2. Second, “May it be to me” or “Let it be so” (v.38). She accepted God’s strange and incomprehensible plan and submitted herself to God’s will.

Lessons

1. God can break in in an unexpected way. He can personally intervene. Has life become so mundane that you do not realise that God is with you? Christmas is a time to realise that God is with us. Don’t be scared. He is here. This is made possible through Christ the Immanuel. What a wonderful message and experience Jesus brings. Christmas brings God’s Loving Presence.

2. What God asks you to do, He will enable you. To be clouded by God is a great blessing. Christmas brings God’s Power.

3. God’s will is always good, pleasing and perfect (Romans 12:2). The best thing to do is to submit to Him, to trust Him. This is the only way to serve Him. Christmas brings God’s Purpose.

4. God surprises us with His Gift of love. May He give us grace to receive it.

Next Week’s Topic: Year-End Topical Message
Next Week’s Speakers: Rev Edmund Wong (BPJ), Rev Dr Chua Chung Kai (WDL) & Rev Matthew Lo (East)